Jan 04, 2026
3 min read
World featherweight champion Amanda Serrano marked her return to Puerto Rico with a hard-earned but strong points victory over Reina Tellez.
Serrano won the World Cup for his home country
Amanda Serrano returned home to Puerto Rico to retain her WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine featherweight title with a win over Rena Tellez.
The 37-year-old, competing in her country for the first time since 2021, imposed herself on Telles with sharp combinations and showed her intelligence in the ring at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
The American challenger, who accepted the fight on just 15 days' notice, caused swelling under Serrano's right eye with a left hand in the fifth.
But in the end, Serrano's experience told as the seven-time world champion controlled the final stages, earning 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93.
"I'm very thankful and grateful to Reina for coming on short notice and coming to fight," Serrano said."He's a hero."
The bout was fought over 10 three-minute rounds - under men's boxing rules - and the victory extended Serrano's professional record to 48 wins, with four losses - including three to undisputed welterweight champion Katie Taylor - and one draw.
"It's been two years since I fought at this weight. I feel that the next fights will be much better and I'm happy to show the fans," added Serrano.
In the main event, martial arts star Holly Holm lost to WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Hahn.
The fight was stopped in the seventh round after a ringside doctor ruled Khan unable to continue due to a cut on her forehead caused by an accidental clash of heads, and the champion retained her title by unanimous decision.
Holm, 44, returned to professional boxing in 2025 after a 12-year absence, having spent more than a decade in mixed martial arts with the UFC.
Serrano Meriri Tellez
Heavy favorite Serrano promised a fierce performance but faced a spirited challenge from 22-year-old Tellez.
The bout was originally scheduled as a rematch with Erika Cruz, who withdrew after inconclusive findings in a voluntary Anti-Doping Association test.
Serrano started strong with smart body work and accurate left hands from his southpaw before the match turned into a closer affair than expected.
Tellez, who missed a major cut and was therefore ineligible to win the title - despite having lost the belt to Serrani - fought largely on the feet, but his confidence grew through the middle rounds.
Despite being hampered by eye damage, Serrano remained the aggressor, using her experience to control the distance, cut off the ring and protect her vision.
He steadily reasserted his control in the final rounds, ramping up the pressure and unloading sustained combinations in the 10th as he searched in vain for a late stoppage.
Promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, founded by Jake Paul, the event honored Sina Gama and Latif "Lac" Ayodele, whose names were featured on the ring canvas.
The two men, friends of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, died in a car crash and were part of the British team in the victory over Paul in December.
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